System and method for authentication and login portability for multiscreen discovery and launch of first screen content

ABSTRACT

A device including a communication component, a DIAL protocol component, a video processing component and a PIC verification component. The communication component can wirelessly receive a personal identification code, can communicate with a display and can receive first video content from a content provider. The DIAL protocol component can perform protocols in accordance with a multiscreen discovery and launch of first screen content specification. The video processing component can provide first video data including PIC image data corresponding to a code so as to display the first video data and a PIC image on the display. The PIC verification component can generate a verification signal when the personal identification code corresponds to the PIC image data. The video processing component can further provide the first video content to the display based on the verification signal.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the invention relate to devices and methods that use theDiscovery and Launch (DIAL) protocol.

There exists a need for a system and method for preventing an overrideof a previously launched DIAL protocol.

SUMMARY

Aspects of certain embodiments of the present invention are drawn to asystem and method for preventing an override of a previously launchedDIAL protocol.

An aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is drawn to a devicefor use with a content provider, a first portable device, a secondportable device, a remote control and a display. The content providercan provide first video content and second video content. The firstportable device can receive the first video content from the contentprovider. At least one of the first portable device and the remotecontrol can provide a personal identification code (PIC). The secondportable device can receive the second video content. The display candisplay the first video content and the second video content. The deviceincludes a communication component, a DIAL protocol component, a videoprocessing component and a PIC verification component. The communicationcomponent can wirelessly receive the PIC, can communicate with thedisplay and can receive the first video content from the contentprovider. The DIAL protocol component can perform protocols inaccordance with a multiscreen discovery and launch of first screencontent specification. The video processing component can provide firstvideo data including PIC image data corresponding to a code so as todisplay the first video data and a PIC image on the display. The PICverification component can generate a verification signal when the PICcorresponds to the PIC image data. The video processing component canfurther provide the first video content to the display based on theverification signal.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthe specification, illustrate example embodiments and, together with thedescription, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In thedrawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art DIAL system.

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate the operation of a set-top box (STB) of the priorart DIAL system of FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 2A illustrates operation at afirst time, t₁, FIG. 2B illustrates operation at a second time, t₂, FIG.2C illustrates operation at a third time, t₃, and FIG. 2D illustratesoperation at a fourth time, t₄.

FIG. 3 illustrates a state of operation of the prior art DIAL system ofFIG. 1 at the fourth time t₄.

FIG. 4 illustrates a state of operation of the prior art DIAL system ofFIG. 1 at a fifth time t₅.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example DIAL system, in accordance with aspects ofan embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example method for displaying content inaccordance with aspects of an embodiment.

FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate the operation of the STB of the example DIALsystem of FIG. 5 for displaying content in accordance with aspects of anembodiment, wherein FIG. 7A illustrates operation at a first time,t_(a), FIG. 7B illustrates operation at a second time, t_(b), FIG. 7Cillustrates operation at a third time, t_(c), and FIG. 7D illustratesoperation at a fourth time, t_(d).

FIG. 8 illustrates an example method for displaying content from acontent provider that requires a login identification code in accordancewith aspects of an embodiment.

FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate the operation of the STB of the example DIALsystem of FIG. 5 for displaying content from a content provider thatrequires a login identification code in accordance with aspects of anembodiment, wherein FIG. 9A illustrates operation at a first time,t_(a), FIG. 9B illustrates operation at a second time, t_(b), and FIG.9C illustrates operation at a third time, t_(c).

FIG. 10 illustrates an example method for preventing interruption ofcontent or displaying new content in accordance with aspects of anembodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example DIAL system, depicted in a non-limitingexample in accordance with aspects of an embodiment.

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate the operation of the STB of the example DIALsystem of FIG. 5 for preventing interruption of content or displayingnew content in accordance with aspects of an embodiment, wherein FIG.12A illustrates operation at a first time, t_(a), FIG. 12B illustratesoperation at a second time, t_(b), and FIG. 12C illustrates potentialoperation at a third time, t_(c).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art DIAL system 100.

As shown in FIG. 1, prior art DIAL system 100 includes a contentprovider 102, a hotel 104 and a network 106. Hotel 104 includes rooms108, 110, 112 and 114 and a local area network (LAN) 116. Room 112includes a person 118, a television 120, a STB 122 and a portable device124. Room 110 includes a person 126 and a portable device 128.

Content provider 102 is arranged to communicate with network 106 via acommunication channel 117. Hotel 104 is arranged to communicate withnetwork 106 via a communication channel 119.

Content provider 102 may be any device or system that is operable toprovide audio, video and/or audio/video (AV) content to clients by wayof network 106. A non-limiting example of content provider 102 includesa headend cable television provider.

LAN 116 may be any network that is able to interconnect portable devicesand STBs within hotel 104 and to connect portable devices and STBswithin hotel 104 to network 106. Non-limiting examples of LAN 116include Ethernet and Wi-Fi.

LAN 116 generally employs a layered protocol (e.g., makes use of whatare sometimes called protocol stacks or layered protocols (e.g., theOpen Systems Interconnection (OSI) model). Networks generally employsuch layered network protocols to accommodate a vast diversity ofsystems and physical devices (e.g., diverse platforms, such as computersrunning various operating systems, smart phones, entertainment systems,etc., and diverse forms of physical connection, such as various types ofwired connections, wireless connections, fiber optics, etc.). In alayered protocol, each layer is responsible for a particular kind offunctionality, and each layer depends on the layers below it for otherfunctions and provides services to the layers above it. In accordancewith such a layered system, a given service can be used by multipleversions of the layer above it, and can make use of multiple versions ofthe layer below it. For example, in view of current large and complexsystems that are constantly being updated, the layered protocol providesfor the ability to change the implementation of a service withoutaffecting other components of the system, and also different servicescan be implemented at each layer and can be modified or replaced withoutaffecting the services of the other layers.

The OSI model includes seven independent protocol layers: (1) Layer 1,the physical layer, which defines electrical and physical specificationsfor devices, and the relationship between a device and a transmissionmedium, such as a copper or fiber optical cable; (2) Layer 2, the datalink layer, which provides the functional and procedural means for thetransfer of data between network entities and the detection andcorrection of errors that may occur in the physical layer; (3) Layer 3,the network layer, which provides the functional and procedural meansfor transferring variable length data sequences from a source host onone network to a destination host on a different network (in contrast tothe data link layer which connects hosts within the same network), andperforms network routing functions and sometimes fragmentation andreassembly; (4) Layer 4, the transport layer, which provides transparenttransfer of data between end users, providing reliable data transferservices to the upper layers by controlling the reliability of a givenlink through flow control, segmentation/desegmentation, and errorcontrol; (5) Layer 5, the session layer, which controls the connections(interchanges) between computers, establishing, managing and terminatingthe connections between the local and remote applications; (6) Layer 6,the presentation layer, which establishes context between applicationlayer entities, by which the higher-layer entities may use differentsyntax and semantics when the presentation service provides a mappingbetween them; and (7) Layer 7, the application layer, which interactsdirectly with the software applications that implement the communicatingcomponent.

Generic Stream Encapsulation (GSE) provides a data link layer protocol,which facilitates the transmission of data from packet orientedprotocols (e.g., Internet protocol or IP) on top of a unidirectionalphysical layer protocol (e.g., DVB-S2, DVB-T2 and DVB-C2). GSE providesfunctions/characteristics, such as support for multi-protocolencapsulation (e.g., IPv4, IPv6, MPEG, ATM, Ethernet, VLANs, etc.),transparency to network layer functions (e.g., IP encryption and IPheader compression), and support of several addressing modes, amechanism for fragmenting IP datagrams or other network layer packetsover baseband frames, and support for hardware and software filtering.

In a layered system, a unit of data that is specified in a protocol of agiven layer (e.g., a “packet” at the network layer), and which includesprotocol-control information and possibly user data of that layer, iscommonly referred to as a “protocol data unit” or PDU. At the NetworkLayer, data is formatted into data packets (e.g., IP datagrams, EthernetFrames, or other network layer packets).

Television 120 is but one example of a display that may be operable todisplay the video content that is provided by content provider 102.

STB 122 is an information appliance device that generally contains atelevision-tuner input and displays output to a television set and anexternal source of signal, turning the source signal into content in aform that then be displayed on the television screen or other displaydevice. They are used in cable television, satellite television, andover-the-air television systems, as well as other uses. STB 122 may beany device or system that is operable to communicate with contentprovider 102, receive content from content provider 102 and provide thecontent to television 120.

When communicating with content provider 102 by way of external network106, STB 122 may perform such functions as link layer and physical layeroutroute coding and modulation (e.g., DVB-S2 adaptive coding andmodulation), link layer and physical layer inroute handling (e.g.,IPOS), inroute bandwidth allocation and load balancing, outrouteprioritization, web acceleration and HTTP compression, flow control,encryption, redundancy switchovers, traffic restriction policyenforcement, data compression, TCP performance enhancements (e.g., TCPperformance enhancing proxies, such as TCP spoofing), quality of servicefunctions (e.g., classification, prioritization, differentiation, randomearly detection (RED), TCP/UDP flow control), bandwidth usage policing,dynamic load balancing, and routing.

Each of portable devices 124 and 128 is a small form factor of acomputing device that is designed to be held and used in the hands.Portable devices 124 and 128 may be any device or system that isoperable to receive video content from content provider 102.Non-limiting examples of portable devices 124 and 128 include laptopcomputers, tablets and smartphones.

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate the operation of STB 122 of prior art DIAL system100, wherein FIG. 2A illustrates operation at a first time, t₁, FIG. 2Billustrates operation at a second time, t₂, FIG. 2C illustratesoperation at a third time, t₃, and FIG. 2D illustrates operation at afourth time, t₄.

FIG. 2A includes content provider 102, user 118, STB 122, television120, portable device 124 and a remote control 214. Portable device 124includes a client DIAL protocol component 206. STB 122 includes a serverDIAL protocol component 208. Server DIAL protocol component 208 includesa DIAL service discovery component 210 and a DIAL REST service component212.

Remote control 214 may be any device or system that is able to acceptuser input to remotely control television 120 and STB 122.

In this example, DIAL service discovery component 210 and DIAL RESTservice component 212 are illustrated as individual devices. However, insome embodiments, DIAL service discovery component 210 and DIAL RESTservice component 212 may be combined as a unitary device. Further, insome embodiments, at least one of DIAL service discovery component 210and DIAL REST service component 212 may be implemented as a computerhaving tangible computer-readable media for carrying or havingcomputer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Suchtangible computer-readable media can be any available media that can beaccessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. Non-limitingexamples of tangible computer-readable media include physical storageand/or memory media such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other opticaldisk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices,or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired programcode means in the form of computer-executable instructions or datastructures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or specialpurpose computer. For information transferred or provided over a networkor another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or acombination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer mayproperly view the connection as a computer-readable medium. Thus, anysuch connection may be properly termed a computer-readable medium.Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope ofcomputer-readable media.

Example tangible computer-readable media may be coupled to a processorsuch that the processor may read information from, and write informationto, the tangible computer-readable media. In the alternative, thetangible computer-readable media may be integral to the processor. Theprocessor and the tangible computer-readable media may reside in anapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In the alternative, theprocessor and the tangible computer-readable media may reside asdiscrete components.

Non-limiting example systems include a computer system/server, which isoperational with numerous other general purpose or special purposecomputing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-knowncomputing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may besuitable for use with the computer system/server include, but are notlimited to, personal computer systems, server computer systems, thinclients, thick clients, handheld or laptop devices, multiprocessorsystems, microprocessor-based systems, STB s, programmable consumerelectronics, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframe computersystems, and distributed cloud computing environments that include anyof the above systems or devices, and the like.

Such a computer system/server may be described in the general context ofcomputer system-executable instructions, such as program modules, beingexecuted by a computer system. Generally, program modules may includeroutines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and soon that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract datatypes. Further, such a computer system/server may be practiced indistributed cloud computing environments where tasks are performed byremote processing devices that are linked through a communicationsnetwork. In a distributed cloud computing environment, program modulesmay be located in both local and remote computer system storage mediaincluding memory storage devices.

Components of an example computer system/server may include, but are notlimited to, one or more processors or processing units, a system memory,and a bus that couples various system components including the systemmemory to the processor.

The bus represents one or more of any of several types of busstructures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheralbus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus usingany of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, and notlimitation, such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture(ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA)bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, andPeripheral Component Interconnects (PCI) bus.

A program/utility, having a set (at least one) of program modules, maybe stored in the memory by way of example, and not limitation, as wellas an operating system, one or more application programs, other programmodules, and program data. Each of the operating systems, one or moreapplication programs, other program modules, and program data or somecombination thereof, may include an implementation of a networkingenvironment. The program modules generally carry out the functionsand/or methodologies of various embodiments of the application asdescribed herein.

Client DIAL protocol component 206 may be any device or system that isoperable to perform client side protocols in accordance with amultiscreen DIAL of first screen content specification.

DIAL is a protocol co-developed by Netflix and YouTube with help fromSony and Samsung. It is a mechanism for discovering and launchingapplications on a single subnet, typically a home network. It relies onUniversal Plug and Play (UPnP), Simple Service Discovery Protocol(SSDP), and HTTP protocols. The DIAL protocol works without requiring apairing between devices. DIAL enables what the TV industry calls “secondscreen” devices, such as tablets, computers and mobile phones to sendcontent to “first screen” devices, such as televisions, Blu-ray players,and STBs.

The DIAL protocol has two components: DIAL Service Discovery and theDIAL REST Service. DIAL Service Discovery enables a DIAL client deviceto discover DIAL servers on its local network segment and obtain accessto the DIAL REST Service on those devices. The DIAL REST Service enablesa DIAL client to query, launch, and optionally stop applications on aDIAL server device.

Server DIAL protocol component 208 may be any device or system that isoperable to perform server side protocols in accordance with amultiscreen discovery and launch of first screen content specification.

DIAL service discovery component 210 may be any device or system that isoperable to enable a DIAL client device to discover DIAL servers on itslocal network segment and obtain access to the DIAL REST Service onthose devices.

DIAL REST service component 212 may be any device or system that isoperable to enable a DIAL client to query, launch, and optionally stopapplications on a DIAL server device.

As shown in FIG. 2A, at t₁, user 118 is watching content 202 that isprovided by content provider 102, as shown by circle 204. Then, user 118decides that he would like to watch content 202 on television 120. Toaccomplish this, user 118 uses a DIAL application on portable device124.

As shown in FIG. 2B, at t₂, activation of the DIAL application onportable device 124 causes client DIAL protocol component 206 towirelessly transmit a launch request 216 to server DIAL protocolcomponent 208 in STB 122. Server DIAL protocol component 208 includes aDIAL service discovery component 210 and a DIAL REST service component212. Launch request 216 is processed by DIAL protocol component 208,which initiates a handshake between portable device 124 and STB 122.

As shown in FIG. 2C, at t₃, after the handshake between portable device124 and STB 122, STB 122 transmits a content request 218 to contentprovider 102. The content request is compliant with DIAL protocols andidentifies portable device 124 and the content 202 which portable device124 is currently receiving from content provider 102.

As shown in FIG. 2D, at t₄, content provider 102 transmits encodedcontent 220 to STB 122. Encoded content 220 is then decoded by STB 122and provided to television 120 as content 222, which is displayed asvideo 224. It should be noted that content 202 in FIG. 2A corresponds tocontent 222 of FIG. 2D. However, in some cases, content 222 may differin resolution and display size from that of content 202 to account fordisplay differences between portable device 124 and television 120.

At this point, user 118 is able to watch the content 222 on television120 as opposed to portable device 124.

There is a problem with prior art DIAL system 100. In particular, aperson launching an application on a first screen device, alwaysoverrides a previously launched application. This is a problem when morethan one user is connected on the same network and tries to use DIAL.For example, where a user is residing in a hotel and is connected to thepublic network provided by the hotel and is watching cable contentlaunched from his smartphone to play it on the television in the hotelroom. The user's DIAL server is now visible to other persons in thehotel, who are connected on the same network. If any other person who isconnected on the network launches a program on the television from hisportable device, this can disturb the first user as the program which heis watching gets overridden by newly launched program. This will bedescribed in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 3 illustrates a state of operation of prior art DIAL system 100 attime t₄.

As shown in FIG. 3, user 118 has launched a DIAL process such thatcontent that was initially being watched on portable device 124 is nowbeing watched on television 120. This launched DIAL protocol isillustrated by double arrow 302. However, as mentioned above, user 118may be interrupted from watching his content on his television 120. Thiswill be described with reference to FIG. 4

FIG. 4 illustrates a state of operation of prior art DIAL system 100 ata time t₅.

Consider a situation where user 126 is watching other content onportable device 128. Further, suppose user 126 has scanned the area andhas found a DIAL server for which he can watch his content. Accordingly,as shown in FIG. 4, user 128 launches a DIAL process such that contentthat was initially being watched on portable device 128 will now beviewable on the DIAL server that user 126 has found. Unfortunately, theDIAL server is STB 122 in room 112 of user 118. This launched DIALprotocol from portable device 128 of user 126 effectively disconnectsthe connection between STB 122 and portable device 124 of user 118. Thisdisconnection is illustrated as dotted double arrow 302. This launchedDIAL process from portable device 128 additionally enables the contentof user 126 to be viewed by television 120, as is illustrated by doublearrow 402.

What is needed is a DIAL system that prevents a user from beingdisconnected from a display that is displaying his content when anotheruser attempts to connect using a DIAL protocol. Aspects of an embodimentof the present invention solve this problem.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, in an embodiment,only a user in front of the screen is allowed to launch or override theDIAL application and can therefore block others who are not in front ofthe screen. This can be achieved by displaying a personal identificationcode (PIC) on the screen that the user can use to launch the DIALapplication.

For launching a DIAL application, a client device is expected to send aHTTP POST request with the desired application. When the DIAL server isenabled with PIC verification, it can generate a PIC and display it onthe screen. It can then send a response code back to the client devicefor PIC verification. This may be accomplished, for example, byextending existing HTTP response code. In a non-limiting example, aresponse code may be ‘707’ when PIC verification is needed.

The client device would then be expected to send the PIC as part ofapplication arguments in a HTTP POST request to the DIAL server. The PICcan be in unencrypted format as each time a new random PIC is generatedand only a user in front of the screen would be able to enter the PICwhile launching an application. The DIAL server can verify the PIC andthen launch the application. If PIC verification fails, then an errorcode can be returned back to client device as part of a HTTP responsecode. In a non-limiting example, the response code may be ‘708’ when PICverification fails.

Example response codes are explained in the chart below:

TABLE 1 Application Message Application recognized body state Action Noany n/a 404 Not Found Yes too long n/a 413 Request Entity Too Large Yesempty Not 201 Created running Start application Yes non-empty Not 201Created running Start application with provided argument, if any Yesempty Starting¹ 200 OK Yes non-empty Starting² 200 OK Yes empty Running200 OK Yes non-empty Running Provide new argument to application

Example DIAL systems and methods in accordance with aspects of anembodiment of the present invention will now be described with referenceto FIGS. 5-12C.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example DIAL system 500, in accordance withaspects of an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, example DIAL system 500 includes all the elements ofprior art DIAL system 100 discussed above with reference to FIG. 1, withthe exception that in example DIAL system 500, in room 112, STB 122 hasbeen replaced with an STB 502.

STB 502 may be any device or system that is operable to communicate withcontent provider 102, receive content from content provider 102 andprovide the content to television 120 in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention as will be described in more detail below; perform,via a DIAL protocol component, protocols in accordance with amultiscreen discovery and launch of first screen content specification;provide, via a video processing component, first video data includingPIN image data corresponding to a code so as to display the first videodata and a PIN image on a display; and wirelessly receive, via acommunication component, a personal identification code from a portabledevice, generate, via a PIN verification component, a verificationsignal when the PIC corresponds to the PIN image data, receive, via thecommunication component, first video content from a content provider andprovide, via the video processing component, the first video content tothe display based on the verification signal.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example method 600 for displaying content inaccordance with aspects of an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, method 600 starts (S602) and a request is launched(S604). In an example embodiment, a DIAL protocol component performsprotocols in accordance with a multiscreen discovery and launch of firstscreen content specification. This will be described in greater detailwith reference to FIGS. 7A-7D.

FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate the operation of STB 502 of example DIAL system500 for displaying content in accordance with aspects of an embodimentof the present invention, wherein FIG. 7A illustrates operation at afirst time, t_(a), FIG. 7B illustrates operation at a second time,t_(b), FIG. 7C illustrates operation at a third time, t_(c), and FIG. 7Dillustrates operation at a fourth time, t_(d).

FIG. 7A includes content provider 102, user 118, STB 502, television120, portable device 124 and remote control 214. Portable device 124includes client DIAL protocol component 206. STB 502 includes serverDIAL protocol component 208, a controller 701, a communication component702, a video processing component 704, a PIC verification component 708and a timer component 710. Server DIAL protocol component 208 includes aDIAL service discovery component 210 and a DIAL REST service component212.

In this example, DIAL protocol component 208, controller 701,communication component 702, video processing component 704, PICverification component 708 and timer component 710 are illustrated asindividual devices. However, in some embodiments, at least two of DIALprotocol component 208, controller 701, communication component 702,video processing component 704, PIC verification component 708 and timercomponent 710 may be combined as a unitary device. Further, in someembodiments, at least one of DIAL protocol component 208, controller701, communication component 702, video processing component 704, PICverification component 708 and timer component 710 may be implemented asa computer having tangible computer-readable media for carrying orhaving computer-executable instructions or data structures storedthereon.

At least one of portable device 124 and remote control 214 is operableto provide a PIC. Consider a situation in which user 118 is watchingcontent 202 that is provided by content provider 102, as shown by circle204. Then, user 118 decides that he would like to watch content 202 ontelevision 120. To accomplish this, user 118 launches a DIAL applicationon portable device 124.

In an example embodiment, activation of the DIAL application on portabledevice 124 causes client DIAL protocol component 206 to wirelesslytransmit a launch request 216 to server DIAL protocol component 208 inSTB 502.

Returning to FIG. 6, after the request is launched (S604), a PIC isdisplayed (S606). In an example embodiment, a video processing componentprovides first video data including PIC image data corresponding to acode so as to display the first video data and a PIC image on thedisplay.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7B, DIAL protocol component 208 informscontroller 701 of receipt of launch request 216.

Controller 701 is arranged to be in communication with DIAL protocolcomponent 208, communication component 702, video processing component704, PIC verification component 708 and timer 710. Controller 710 may beany device or system that is operable to control operation of DIALprotocol component 208, communication component 702, video processingcomponent 704, PIC verification component 708 and timer 710.

After launch request 216 is received, controller 701 instructs PICverification component 708 to generate a PIC.

PIC verification component 708 may be any device or system that isoperable to generate a PIC, and as described in more detail below;generate a verification signal when the PIC corresponds to the PIC imagedata; and generate a remaining verification signal when the remainingPIC corresponds to the remaining PIC image data.

The PIC may be any type of code that may be reproduced by a user using auser input of a portable device. Non-limiting examples of PICs includealphanumeric codes, which may include special characters known in to beincorporated into keypads. In some embodiments, the PIC may bepredetermined and stored in PIC verification component 708. In someembodiments, the PIC may be generated by PIC verification component 708,which may include known pseudorandom code generation systems andmethods.

Controller 701 then instructs PIC verification component 708 to providethe PIC to video processing component 704.

Video processing component 704 may be any device or system that isoperable to: provide video data including PIC image data correspondingto a PIC so as to display first video data and a PIC image on television120; to provide the video content to the television based on averification signal, as will be described in greater detail below; toprovide second video content to the display upon expiration of apredetermined time period, as will be described in greater detail below;to provide second video data including a remaining PIC image datacorresponding to a remaining code so as to display the second video dataand a remaining PIC image on the display, as will be described ingreater detail below; and to continue provide the first video content tothe display based on the remaining verification signal upon expirationof the predetermined time period.

Video processing component 704 generates modified video content, whichincludes any current video content being provided to television 120 inaddition to image data corresponding to the PIC. Video processingcomponent 704 then provides the modified video content to communicationcomponent 702.

Communication component 702 may be any device or system that is operableto operable to: wirelessly receive the PIC from portable device 124; tocommunicate with television 120 and to receive video content fromcontent provider 102; to provide a login identification code to thecontent provider, as will be described in greater detail below; and toreceive a display request from a second portable device, as will bedescribed in greater detail below.

After receiving the modified video content from video processingcomponent 704, communication component 702 provides the modified videocontent to television 120, which displays the modified video content. Inthis example, there is no current video content being provided totelevision 120, so the modified video content is merely a white screenwith a displayed PIC 712, which reads “84326”, for example. It should benoted that if STB 502 were currently providing video content totelevision 120, then the modified video content would be the currentlyprovided video content with PIC 712 superimposed thereon.

In this non-limiting example, PIC 712 is displayed at the bottom rightportion of television 120. However, it should be noted that otherexample embodiments may display PIC 712 at other locations of television120.

In this non-limiting example, PIC 712 is an alphanumeric code. However,it should be noted that other example embodiments may create PIC 712 asother code forms, non-limiting examples of which include images,barcodes and QR codes.

Returning to FIG. 6, after the PIC is displayed (S606), a received PICis received (S608). In an example embodiment, a communication componentwirelessly receives the received PIC from the portable device 124.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7C, in a non-limiting example embodiment,user 118 transmits a PIC corresponding to PIC 712 from portable device124 to STB 502. In another embodiment, user 118 may use remote control214 to transmit a PIC corresponding to PIC 712 to STB 502. Communicationcomponent 702 of STB 502 then receives a received PIC 714 correspondingto PIC 712.

Returning to FIG. 6, after the PIC is received (S608), it is determinedwhether the displayed PIC is the same as the received PIC (S610). In anexample embodiment, a PIC verification component 708 generates averification signal when the received PIC corresponds to the PIC imagedata.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7C, PIC verification component 708compares received PIC 714 with the PIC image data that was provided totelevision 102 to be displayed as displayed PIC 712.

Returning to FIG. 6, if it is determined that the received PIC is notthe same as the displayed PIC (N at S610), then method 600 stops (S614).Accordingly, in this situation, the PIC that is received by STB 502 doesnot match the displayed PIC, indicating that the person attempting tolaunch a DIAL protocol cannot view television 120. This would preventthe situation discussed above with reference to FIG. 4.

Returning to FIG. 6, however, if it is determined that the received PICis the same as the displayed PIC (Y at S610), then content is displayed(S612). In an example embodiment, the communication component receivesthe first video content from the content provider, and the videoprocessing component provides the first video content to the displaybased on the verification signal.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7D, communication component 702 of STB 502contacts content provider 102 and requests the content that is currentlybeing provided to portable device 124. The request from communicationcomponent 702 may include identifying information of portable device124, non-limiting examples of which include the MAC address of portabledevice 124. With the identifying information in conjunction with therequest, content provider 102 then transmits the content to STB 502 asopposed to portable device 124.

Communication component 702 of STB 502 then receives video content 220from content provider 102. Video processing component 704 then providesthe video content to television 120 as content 222, based on theverification signal. Television 120 then displays content 222 as video224.

Returning to FIG. 6, after the content is displayed (S612), method 600stops (S614).

In accordance with example method 600 discussed above, a person is ableto prevent the situation discussed above with reference to FIG. 4,wherein person 126 is able to essentially kick person 118 off television120 merely by launching a DIAL protocol from portable device 128. Sinceonly person 118 is in room 112 and therefore only person 118 can viewtelevision 120, only person 118 can view displayed PIC on television120. Therefore, only person 118 will be able to successfully launch aDIAL protocol so that video content from portable device 124 of user 118can be viewed on television 120.

Another problem with prior art DIAL system 100 of FIG. 1 discussed abovedeals with content providers that require passwords. In particular, amismatch in an application login account (Netflix/YouTube) in the firstscreen device and the second screen device, will cause a failure whenthe user attempts to play the purchased content on the first screendevice. This requires the user to manually switch the account in thefirst screen device and then play purchased content. For example,consider the situation where a user is watching YouTube/Netflixpurchased content on mobile device with login account-1. Then, the userwants to watch it on a TV connected to a set-top, whereas the set-top iscurrently logged in with account-2. In this case, the user cannot playthe content on TV as long as the login accounts are different. The usercan only watch the content on the TV after switching the account in theset-top to the one set in the mobile device.

In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention solves thepassword mismatch problem discussed above.

As per DIAL specification: “A DIAL client that wishes to launch anapplication on a DIAL server SHALL send an HTTP POST request to theApplication Resource URL for the desired application. The message bodyof the POST request MAY be empty or MAY contain an argument string to bepassed to the application on launch. How the argument is passed to theapplication may be platform- and application-specific.”

In accordance with an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention,an application login account name used in the client device is passed tothe DIAL server as part of application arguments (either encrypted orunencrypted). The DIAL server can then automatically switch to therequested account with a cached login identification code, e.g., apassword.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example method 800 for displaying content from acontent provider that requires a login identification code in accordancewith aspects of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate the operation of STB 502 of example DIAL system500 for displaying content from a content provider that requires a loginidentification code in accordance with aspects of an embodiment of thepresent invention, wherein FIG. 9A illustrates operation at a firsttime, t_(a), FIG. 9B illustrates operation at a second time, t_(b), andFIG. 9C illustrates operation at a third time, t_(c).

FIG. 9A includes content provider 102, user 118, STB 502, television120, portable device 124 and remote control 214.

As shown in FIG. 8, method 800 is similar to method 600 discussed abovewith reference to FIG. 6, in that method 800 starts (S602), a request islaunched (S604), a PIC is displayed (S606), the PIC is received (S608)and it is determined whether the received PIC is the same as thedisplayed PIC (S610). These portions of method 800 are performed in amanner similar to the same portions of method 600 discussed above.

If it is determined that the received PIC is not the same as thedisplayed PIC (N at S610), then method 800 stops (S614). Accordingly, inthis situation, the PIC that is received by STB 502 does not match thedisplayed PIC, indicating that the person attempting to launch a DIALprotocol cannot view television 120. This would prevent the situationdiscussed above with reference to FIG. 4.

Returning to FIG. 8, if it is determined that the received PIC is thesame as the displayed PIC (Y at S610), then it is determined whether alogin identification code is required (S802). In an example embodiment,communication component 702 contacts content provider 102, which in turninforms communication component 702 that a login identification code isrequired.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7D, communication component 702 of STB 502contacts content provider 102 and requests the content that is currentlybeing provided to portable device 124. The request from communicationcomponent 702 may include identifying information of portable device124, non-limiting examples of which include the MAC address of portabledevice 124.

However, in this situation for purposes of discussion, presume that therequired content requires an additional login identification. Forexample, let the content be provided from a service of content provider102, wherein the service requires an additional login identification,e.g., Netflix or Hulu. When trying to display the content on television120 from content provider 102 in method 600 discussed above (S612), ifadditional login identification is required, then content provider 102would not provide the content to STB 502. Accordingly, STB 502 would beunable to compete the DIAL protocol.

To address this issue, in accordance with aspects of an embodiment ofthe present invention, STB 502 enables user 118 to provide theadditional login identification via portable device 124. STB 502 thenprovides the additional login identification to content provider 102 sothat content provider 102 can provide the content to STB 502. STB 502may then complete the DIAL protocol so that the content may be providedto television 120.

For example, returning to FIG. 9A, user 118 is watching content 202 thatis provided by content provider 102, as shown by circle 204. Then, user118 decides that he would like to watch content 202 on television 120.To accomplish this, user 118 uses a DIAL application on portable device124. Activation of the DIAL application on portable device 124 causesclient DIAL protocol component 206 to wirelessly transmit a launchrequest 216 to server DIAL protocol component 208 in STB 502. ServerDIAL protocol component 208 includes a DIAL service discovery component210 and a DIAL REST service component 212. Launch request 216 isprocessed by DIAL protocol component 208, which initiates a handshakebetween portable device 124 and STB 502.

After the handshake between portable device 124 and STB 502, STB 502transmits a content request to content provider 102. However, forpurposes of discussion, let the content be from a service that requiresan additional login identification as discussed above. In this case, thecontent request is illustrated as a handshake 902 between communicationcomponent 702 of STB 502 and content provider 102. Handshake 902includes the initial content request from STB 502 in addition to therequest from content provider 102 for the additional loginidentification.

If communication component 702 receives handshake 902, as opposed tocontent provider 102 merely providing the content, then communicationcomponent 902 informs PIC verification component 708 of the need foradditional login identification required by content provider 102 asindicated in handshake 902.

Returning to FIG. 8, if it is determined that a login identificationcode is not required (N at S802), then the content is displayed (S612).This is similar to the same portion of method 600 disclosed above.

Returning to FIG. 8, if it is determined that a login identificationcode is required (Y at S802), then a login identification code prompt isdisplayed (S804). For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, at this point,communication component 902 has informed PIC verification component 708of the need for additional login identification required by contentprovider 102 as indicated in handshake 902.

PIC verification component 708 then instructs video processing component704 to generate video data 904 including a login identification coderequest image data and other video data to be displayed on television120. Video processing component 704 then provides the video data 904 totelevision 120, which in turn displays a video 906 which includes avideo with an image 908 of a request for a login identification code.

In this manner, user 118 can see that in order to view the requestedcontent on television 120 by way of the DIAL protocol, the loginidentification code of user 118 for the content origin, e.g., Netflix,is required.

Returning to FIG. 8, after the login identification code prompt isdisplayed (S804), the login identification code is received (S806). Forexample, as shown in FIG. 9B, in an example embodiment, at time t_(b),the communication component 702 wirelessly receives the received loginidentification code 910 from the portable device 124. In otherembodiments, the communication component 702 wirelessly receives thereceived login identification code from the remote control 214.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7C, in a non-limiting example embodiment,user 118 transmits the login identification code 910, corresponding tothe login identification code identified in handshake 902 discussedabove, from remote control 214 to STB 502. In another embodiment, user118 may use portable device 124 to transmit a login identification code,corresponding to the login identification code identified in handshake902 discussed above, to STB 502. Communication component 702 of STB 502then receives a login identification code, corresponding to the loginidentification code identified in handshake 902 discussed above.

Returning to FIG. 8, after the login identification code is received(S806), then the login identification code is provided (S808). Forexample, as shown in FIG. 9C, at time t_(c), communication component 702performs another handshake 912 with content provider 102. Duringhandshake 912, communication component 702 provides content provider 102with the login identification code that was received from user 118,either by portable device 124 or by remote control 214.

Returning to FIG. 8, after the login identification code is provided(S808), then the content is displayed (S612). This action is similar tothat discussed above with reference to method 600.

Returning to FIG. 8, after the content is displayed (S612), method 800stops (S614).

Method 600 discussed above addresses the situation where a person thatis not in view of the television is prevented from disconnecting aperson that is watching the television off the DIAL protocol. However,there may be situations where more than one person is in view of thetelevision, and further, in which the person that is currently connectedto the television using the DIAL protocol may wish to permit one of theother people in view of the television to connect using the DIALprotocol.

Another aspect of an embodiment addresses this situation and will bedescribed in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 10-12C.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example method 1000 for preventing interruptionof content or displaying new content in accordance with aspects of anembodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates example DIAL system 500, but with the addition of ansecond person in room 112, depicted in a non-limiting example asdaughter 1102, wherein daughter 1102 has a portable device 1104. In thisillustrative example, daughter 1102 is the daughter of person 118 and issharing room 112. Accordingly, daughter 1102 can see television 120.Further, in this example portable device 1104 may be similar to each ofportable devices 124 and 128. In this light, as will be described inmore detail below, portable device 1104 is operable to provide a displayrequest in accordance with the DIAL protocol.

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate the operation of STB 502 of example DIAL system500 for preventing interruption of content or displaying new content inaccordance with aspects of an embodiment of the present invention,wherein FIG. 12A illustrates operation at a first time, t_(a), FIG. 12Billustrates operation at a second time, t_(b), and FIG. 12C illustratespotential operation at a third time, t_(c).

Returning to FIG. 10, method 1000 starts (S1002) and content is launched(S1004). The content may be launched (S1004) in a manner similar tomethod 600 discussed above with reference to FIG. 6, or by method 800discussed above with reference to FIG. 8.

For purposes of discussion, let user 118 complete the DIAL protocol suchthat the content for which user 118 was watching on portable device 124is now being displayed on television 120. This is illustrated in FIG.12A as indicated by double arrow 1202.

Returning to FIG. 11, now consider the situation where user 118 fallsasleep in room 112, whereas daughter 1102 is still awake. Further, letdaughter 1102 want to watch her own content on television 120. Since itseems that no harm will be done by kicking user 118 off the DIALconnection with STB 502, because user 118 is sleeping, daughter 1102decides to launch her own request for a DIAL protocol.

Returning to FIG. 10, after the content is launched (S1004), a requestis launched (S1006) and then a PIC is displayed (S1008). This is thesame as the request being launched (S604) and the PIC being displayed(S606) in method 600 discussed above with reference to FIG. 6.

Returning to FIG. 10, after the PIC is displayed (S1008), a timer isstarted (S1010). For example, as shown in FIG. 7, timer component 710may be any device or system that is operable to provide a predeterminedtime period, wherein the predetermined time period starts based uponreceipt, by the communication component 702, of a display request. Thedisplay request in this example method is the launch request by portabledevice 1104 from daughter 1102.

The launch request is illustrated in FIG. 12B as indicated by dasheddouble arrow 1204. As shown in FIG. 12B, at this point portable device124 of user 118 is still connected to STB 502 through the DIAL protocolas indicated by double arrow 1202.

While timer component 710 is counting down from the predetermined timeperiod, for example 30 seconds, the PIC is displayed on television 120in a manner as discussed above with respect to method 600 (S606).

In this example embodiment, the displayed PIC is provided to enable user118 to continue watching content on television 120. If portable device124 does not provide a PIC that corresponds to the displayed PIC, theSTB 502 considers person 118 to not still be watching television 120.Accordingly, since another person, in this case daughter 1102 wants touse television 120 via a DIAL protocol, this aspect of an embodiment ofthe present invention will enable daughter 1102 to essentially kickuninvolved user 118 off the system.

Returning to FIG. 10, after the timer is started (S1010) it isdetermined whether a PIC has been received (S1012). For example, asshown in FIG. 7C, PIC verification component 708 determines whether aPIC has been received.

Returning to FIG. 10, if it is determined that a PIC has not beenreceived (N at S1012), then it is determined whether the timer hasexpired (S1014). For example, as shown in FIG. 7C, PIC verificationcomponent 708 waits for receipt of a PIC until the predetermined time intimer component 710 expires. In an example embodiment, timer component710 provides an expiration signal to PIC verification component 708 uponexpiration of the predetermined time.

Returning to FIG. 10, if it is determined that the timer has expired (Yat S1014), then method 1000 stops (S1022). In such a situation, since noPIC has been received, then it is determined that user 118 does not wantto continue watching his content on television 120 via the DIALprotocol, or at the very least is willing to let daughter 1102 watch hercontent on television 120.

Accordingly, user 118 is disconnected from STB 502 and daughter 1102 isconnected through the DIAL protocol. Therefore, daughter 1102 may watchthe content that she was previously watching on portable device 1104 ontelevision 120 by way of STB 502 and the DIAL protocol. This isillustrated in FIG. 12C as indicated by double arrow 1206. As shown inFIG. 12C, at this point portable device 124 of user 118 is no longerconnected to STB 502 through the DIAL protocol.

Returning to FIG. 10, if it is determined that a PIC has been received(Y at S1012), then it is then determined whether the received PIC is thesame as the displayed PIC. This is the same as that of method 600discussed above with reference to FIG. 6 (S610).

Returning to FIG. 10, if it is determined that the received PIC is thesame as the displayed PIC (Y at S1016), then method 1000 stops (S1022).In this situation, user 118 has viewed the displayed PIC, has decidedthat he wants to continue to watch his content on television 120 andprovides a new PIC to STB 502 in a manner similar to method 600discussed above (S608).

However, if it is determined that the transmitted PIC is not the same asthe displayed PIC (N at S1016), then it is determined whether the timerhas expired (S1018). This situation may take into account a time whenuser 118 has viewed the displayed PIC, has decided that he wants tocontinue to watch his content on television 120 and inadvertentlyprovides an incorrect new PIC to STB 502. In this situation, if timeremains on the timing component, user 118 may have an opportunity tosend the correct PIC.

Returning to FIG. 10, if it is determined that the timer has not expired(N at S1018), then it is again determined whether a PIC has beenreceived (S1012). This loop (Y at S1012, N at S1016 and S1018) until thetimer expires.

However, if it is determined that the timer has expired (Y at S1018),then new content is displayed (S1020). In this situation, user 118 hasnot provided any, or the correct PIC within the allotted time period.Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 12C, the content of portable device 1104of daughter 1102 is provided to STB 502 via the DIAL protocol.

Returning to FIG. 10, after the new content is displayed (S1020), thenmethod 1000 stops (S1022).

It should be noted that in some embodiments, logging out from a sourceof content, for which user 118 is currently logged in, e.g., Netflix,can also be extended by sending a message to portable device 124 of user118 to logout from television 120 as there is a new connection requestfrom a new user. In this case, user 118 shall enter the randomlygenerated PIC to NOT logout, which ensures that user 118 is in front oftelevision 120. If the randomly generated PIC is not entered, then user118 will get logged out automatically after the predetermined timeperiod expires.

If the cached login identification code entry is not available, then theDIAL protocol in accordance with aspects of an embodiment of the presentinvention may instruct portable device 124 to prompt user 118 to enterthe login identification code. If the account detail is invalid, anerror can be notified to portable device 124 by extending the HTTPresponse code documented in the DIAL specification. For example, aresponse code of ‘700’ may be provided when login details are invalid.

In other embodiments, a client device may issue an HTTP GET to fetch theDIAL server device description in XML format. Therefore, with anadditional entry in the device description about extended capabilitiesof a DIAL server, such as for example PIC verification and loginportability features, the extended capabilities of the DIAL server areenabled. Therefore, a client device is informed of more DIAL servercapabilities and hence may provide a verification and login account nameas part of an application launch using HTTP POST request.

The foregoing description of various preferred embodiments has beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formsdisclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possiblein light of the above teaching. The example embodiments, as describedabove, were chosen and described in order to best explain the principlesof the invention and its practical application to thereby enable othersskilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodimentsand with various modifications as are suited to the particular usecontemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be definedby the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for use with a content provider, a first portable device, a second portable device, a remote control and a display, the content provider being operable to provide first video content and second video content, the first portable device being operable to receive the first video content from the content provider, at least one of the first portable device and the remote control being operable to provide a personal identification code, the second portable device being operable to receive the second video content, the display being operable to display the first video content and the second video content, the device comprising: a communication component operable to wirelessly receive the personal identification code, to communicate with the display and to receive the first video content from the content provider; a DIAL protocol component operable to perform protocols in accordance with a multiscreen discovery and launch of first screen content specification; a video processing component operable to provide first video data including PIC image data corresponding to a code so as to display the first video data and a PIC image on the display; and a PIC verification component operable to generate a verification signal when the personal identification code corresponds to the PIC image data, wherein the video processing component is further operable to provide the first video content to the display based on the verification signal.
 2. The device of claim 1, for use with at least one of the first portable device and the remote control being further operable to provide a login identification code, wherein the communication component is further operable to provide the login identification code to the content provider.
 3. The device of claim 2, for use with the second portable device being further operable to provide a display request, the device further comprising: a timer operable to provide a predetermined time period, wherein the communication component is further operable to receive the display request from the second portable device, wherein the predetermined time period starts based upon receipt, by the communication component, of the display request, and wherein the video processing component is further operable to provide the second video content to the display upon expiration of the predetermined time period.
 4. The device of claim 3, for use with the first portable device being further operable to provide a remaining personal identification code, wherein the video processing component is further operable to provide second video data including remaining PIC image data corresponding to a remaining code so as to display the second video data and a remaining PIC image on the display, wherein the PIC verification component is further operable to generate a remaining verification signal when the remaining personal identification code corresponds to the remaining PIC image data, and wherein the video processing component is further operable to continue to provide the first video content to the display based on the remaining verification signal upon expiration of the predetermined time period.
 5. The device of claim 1, for use with the second portable device being further operable to provide a display request, the device further comprising: a timer operable to provide a predetermined time period, wherein the communication component is further operable to receive the display request from the second portable device, wherein the predetermined time period starts based upon receipt, by the communication component, of the display request, and wherein the video processing component is further operable to provide the second video content to the display upon expiration of the predetermined time period.
 6. The device of claim 5, for use with the first portable device being further operable to provide a remaining personal identification code, wherein the video processing component is further operable to provide second video data including remaining PIC image data corresponding to a remaining code so as to display the second video data and a remaining PIC image on the display, wherein the PIC verification component is further operable to generate a remaining verification signal when the remaining personal identification code corresponds to the remaining PIC image data, and wherein the video processing component is further operable to continue to provide the first video content to the display based on the remaining verification signal upon expiration of the predetermined time period.
 7. A method using a content provider, a first portable device, a second portable device and a display, the content provider being operable to provide first video content and second video content, the first portable device being operable to receive the first video content from the content provider and to provide a personal identification code, the second portable device being operable to receive the second video content, the display being operable to display the first video content and the second video content, the method comprising: performing, via a DIAL protocol component, protocols in accordance with a multiscreen discovery and launch of first screen content specification; providing, via a video processing component, first video data including PIC image data corresponding to a code so as to display the first video data and a PIC image on the display; wirelessly receiving, via a communication component, the personal identification code from the first portable device; generating, via a PIC verification component, a verification signal when the personal identification code corresponds to the PIC image data; receiving, via the communication component, the first video content from the content provider; and providing, via the video processing component, the first video content to the display based on the verification signal.
 8. The method of claim 7 of using the first portable device being further operable to provide a login identification code, the method further comprising: providing, via the communication component, the login identification code to the content provider.
 9. The method of claim 8 of using the second portable device being further operable to provide a display request, the method further comprising: providing, via a timer, a predetermined time period; receiving, via the communication component, the display request from the second portable device; and providing, via the video processing component, the second video content to the display upon expiration of the predetermined time period, wherein the predetermined time period starts based upon receipt, by the communication component, of the display request.
 10. The method of claim 9 of using the first portable device being further operable to provide a remaining personal identification code, the method further comprising: providing, via the video processing component, second video data including remaining PIC image data corresponding to a remaining code so as to display the second video data and a remaining PIC image on the display; generating, via the PIC verification component, a remaining verification signal when the remaining personal identification code corresponds to the remaining PIC image data; and continuing to provide, via the video processing component, the first video content to the display based on the remaining verification signal upon expiration of the predetermined time period.
 11. The method of claim 7 of using the second portable device being further operable to provide a display request, the method further comprising: providing, via a timer, a predetermined time period; receiving, via the communication component, the display request from the second portable device; and providing, via the video processing component, the second video content to the display upon expiration of the predetermined time period, wherein the predetermined time period starts based upon receipt, by the communication component, of the display request.
 12. The method of claim 11 of using the first portable device being further operable to provide a remaining personal identification code, the method further comprising: providing, via the video processing component, second video data including remaining PIC image data corresponding to a remaining code so as to display the second video data and a remaining PIC image on the display; generating, via the PIC verification component, a remaining verification signal when the remaining personal identification code corresponds to the remaining PIC image data; and continuing to provide, via the video processing component, the first video content to the display based on the remaining verification signal upon expiration of the predetermined time period.
 13. A non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable media having computer-readable instructions stored thereon, for use with a computer and being capable of instructing the computer to perform a method of using a content provider, a first portable device, a second portable device and a display, the content provider being operable to provide first video content and second video content, the first portable device being operable to receive the first video content from the content provider and to provide a personal identification code, the second portable device being operable to receive the second video content, the display being operable to display the first video content and the second video content, the method comprising: performing, via a DIAL protocol component, protocols in accordance with a multiscreen discovery and launch of first screen content specification; providing, via a video processing component, first video data including PIC image data corresponding to a code so as to display the first video data and a PIC image on the display; wirelessly receiving, via a communication component, the personal identification code from the first portable device; generating, via a PIC verification component, a verification signal when the personal identification code corresponds to the PIC image data; receiving, via the communication component, the first video content from the content provider; and providing, via the video processing component, the first video content to the display based on the verification signal.
 14. The non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable media of claim 13, wherein the method of using the first portable device includes using the first portable device being further operable to provide a login identification code and wherein the computer-readable instructions are capable of instructing the computer to perform the method further comprising: providing, via the communication component, the login identification code to the content provider.
 15. The non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable media of claim 14, wherein the method of using the second portable device includes using the second portable device being further operable to provide a display request and wherein the computer-readable instructions are capable of instructing the computer to perform the method further comprising: providing, via a timer, a predetermined time period; receiving, via the communication component, the display request from the second portable device; and providing, via the video processing component, the second video content to the display upon expiration of the predetermined time period, wherein the predetermined time period starts based upon receipt, by the communication component, of the display request.
 16. The non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable media of claim 15, wherein the method of using the first portable device includes using the first portable device being further operable to provide a remaining personal identification code and wherein the computer-readable instructions are capable of instructing the computer to perform the method further comprising: providing, via the video processing component, second video data including remaining PIC image data corresponding to a remaining code so as to display the second video data and a remaining PIC image on the display; generating, via the PIC verification component, a remaining verification signal when the remaining personal identification code corresponds to the remaining PIC image data; and continuing to provide, via the video processing component, the first video content to the display based on the remaining verification signal upon expiration of the predetermined time period.
 17. The non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable media of claim 13, wherein the method of using the second portable device includes using the second portable device being further operable to provide a display request and wherein the computer-readable instructions are capable of instructing the computer to perform the method further comprising: providing, via a timer, a predetermined time period; receiving, via the communication component, the display request from the second portable device; and providing, via the video processing component, the second video content to the display upon expiration of the predetermined time period, wherein the predetermined time period starts based upon receipt, by the communication component, of the display request.
 18. The non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable media of claim 17, wherein the method of using the first portable device includes using the first portable device being further operable to provide a remaining personal identification code and wherein the computer-readable instructions are capable of instructing the computer to perform the method further comprising: providing, via the video processing component, second video data including remaining PIC image data corresponding to a remaining code so as to display the second video data and a remaining PIC image on the display; generating, via the PIC verification component, a remaining verification signal when the remaining personal identification code corresponds to the remaining PIC image data; and continuing to provide, via the video processing component, the first video content to the display based on the remaining verification signal upon expiration of the predetermined time period. 